261. Telegram 1948 From the Embassy in
Zaire to the Department of State,
March 4, 1974, 1508Z12

1. Prior to my departure Washington Feb. 15, I discussed status of
Mobutu's request to
purchase 1,000 M-16 rifles. I understood prospects were good GOZ request would be approved. From all
information available to us here, unless US agrees to this sales, GOZ will acquire AK-47s from Chinese. Both
from our point of view and Portugal's it would seem infinitely
preferable to have US furnish limited number of M-16s (with end user
safeguards) than to have GOZ turn to Chinese with all that this
implies.

2. Mobutu now scheduled return
Zaire March 6 and I hope to see him very soon thereafter. It would
assist greatly in allaying anticipated complaints re our
inability/refusal to sell Zaire other sophisticated military equipment
if I could inform Mobutu at
that time that USG has approved sale of
M-16s. I strongly recommend such action.